By Michael A. Smith, MD

Topical sunscreens still remain the popular choice among consumers, but did you know there’s also an oral solution for protecting your skin? There is, and it’s called Polypodium leucotomos.

Skin Cancer on the Rise

Much has been written about how the sun’s ultraviolet rays harm our health and appearance. Yet despite the warnings, more than two million people in the US will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year alone.

Rates of melanoma — the most dangerous form of skin cancer — have not only doubled over the past 10–20 years, but continue to rise 3% to 7% annually.1

Oral Protection with Polypodium Leucotomos

A recent study found that an oral supplement sourced from the fern, Polypodium leucotomos, could possibly become an important anti-aging ingredient for the skin.2 In fact, extracts from this fern have been used in South America for many years to protect against the damaging effects of excessive sun exposure.

Polypodium leucotomos extract also contains a high percentage of potent antioxidants which block the formation of dangerous free radicals stopping the oxidative damage that results from excessive sun exposure.4

A Two-Fold Approach is Best

Remember, for long periods of sun exposure, you should consider both a topical sunscreen and an oral extract from Polypodium leucotomos. This combined approach will help protect you from the inside out, and offers an ideal defense strategy to ward off premature aging and skin cancer.

How are you protecting yourself against harmful UV rays? Have you heard of polypodium leucotomos before? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

This is a great question. Based on kinetic studies (measurements of absorption, tissue distribution and elimination), the P. leucotomos extract reaches surface skin cells within 30 minutes of ingestion. This is why we suggest taking 2 capsules 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.